Mata’s
most recent of his 13 Premier League appearances this campaign, against
Southampton on New Year's Day, ended with the 25-year-old reacting
angrily to being substituted.

Former United right-back Neville, though, told Sky Sports he cannot see where Mata would fit in unless David Moyes is planning an overhaul of the squad.
"The first question, I think, is where are you going to play him?
Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are up top if they are fit so where
are you going to play him? Are you going to play him off the left or off
the right?

"That's a lot of money, 37 million quid, but they need a signing.

"Does he fit with what I would call the typical philosophy of Manchester United? I would say no.

"Maybe
they have to change the philosophy and maybe that's what David Moyes is
thinking. Maybe he wants to play narrow wide players and maybe a three
in midfield.

"They would have to change to accommodate Juan Mata
in the way they normally play. They normally play with wide players.
Sometimes they tuck in, but generally they have wide players and the
thing for me is where is he going to play?"
Moyes and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward were heavily criticised
for their failure to suitably reinforce the squad in the summer, with
targets such as Thiago Alcantara, Cesc Fabregas, Leighton Baines and
Ander Herrera all resisting their advances, and Neville believes the
club are in need of a big-name arrival.

"They need to sign a big
player," he added. "They need to make a noise and if they get him in it
will attract other players - and they need three or four players.

"What it could be is the start of something to lead to other things, but typically I wouldn't say [Mata] fits." ------------------ goal.com